Ondo 2024: Tension as Gunshots Rock Ondo, Edo Border Community, Details Emerge

Ondo 2024: Tension as Gunshots Rock Ondo, Edo Border Community, Details Emerge

  • Panic gripped Ofosun, an Ondo-Edo border village, as unknown individuals fired gunshots. No casualties were reported, but residents stayed indoors
  • PDP’s Festus Akingbaso accused APC of deploying thugs to disrupt voting in villages like Ofosun, reporting the matter to security agencies
  • APC’s Steve Otaloro dismissed the allegations, urging an investigation and emphasizing the party's commitment to peace

Ofosun, a border village in Ondo State near Edo, was gripped by panic on Saturday,November 16, as unknown individuals fired gunshots into the air.

This incident comes amidst the ongoing gubernatorial election in Ondo state

Gun shots heard in Ondo, Edo border community
Police react as gun shots are fired in Edo, Ondo border community Photo credit: @PoliceNG
Source: Twitter

Legit.ng gathered that residents reportedly stayed indoors to avoid stray bullets.

A local resident, identified as Dauda, while describing the situation, said:

“We don’t know who they are, but they were firing gunshots into the air in some parts of the village since early morning. No casualty, but people in the village are staying indoors.”

Read also

Ondo election 2024: PDP deputy governorship candidate accuses APC of Invading Idanre with thugs

PDP deputy governorship candidate raises concerns

Festus Akingbaso, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleged the presence of hoodlums in several villages, including Ofosun, during the election.

Speaking after voting in Idanre Local Government Area, Akingbaso said:

“Majority of the villages are filled with thugs allegedly brought in by the APC. Villages like Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah are occupied. There are plans not to allow people in the villages to vote.”

He confirmed reporting the matter to security agencies, adding:

“I have reported the matter to the DPO and DSS, but to my expectation, the security agencies have not been able to do anything.”

APC denies involvement, calls for investigation

Responding to the allegations, Ondo APC spokesperson Steve Otaloro dismissed the claims and demanded a thorough investigation.

“Whatever violence is happening, they should investigate it properly. I can assure you it is not from our members. Since morning, this election has started peacefully. We as a political party are committed to peace," he mentioned.

Read also

Ondo governorship election 2024: 3 reasons APC may lose

Otaloro further criticized the PDP for what he described as attempts to fabricate issues:

“Maybe their plans were burst, and that’s why he is coming up with this allegation.”

As reported by The Punch, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, said she was in transit and had not received a formal report of the incident.

PDP gov candidate Agboola Ajayi accuses INEC of bias

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Agboola Ajayi, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias.

Speaking on Saturday morning, November 16, at his polling unit in Apoi Ward II, Unit 004, RCM, Idumado quarters Kiribo, Ese Odo council area of Ondo state, Ajayi said he received reports of delays in the commencement of voting in parts of the state.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944